Secretary of State
Grayson Promotes DebateWatch ‘08

(Frankfort, KY)  Kentucky Secretary of State Trey Grayson is encouraging citizens across the Commonwealth to participate in the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) DebateWatch program, by hosting debate watching parties.  The parties allow for voters to better understand the positions taken by presidential candidates and encourages citizens to engage in dialogue with their respective communities about the important electoral decisions they will make in November.  The CPD has partnered with the National Association of Secretaries of State to bring greater attention to the debates during the 2008 election cycle.

“This is a great opportunity to get friends together and talk about the issues facing our country,” remarked Secretary Grayson, President-elect of the National Association of Secretaries of State.  “I hope that Kentuckians will take the time to study the candidates and their positions, and then make an informed vote on Election Day.”

The program, which started in 1996, brings citizens together to view and discuss presidential debates.  This year, the Office of the Secretary of State is working to promote this program in an effort to champion civic involvement among Kentuckians. 

Participation has no boundaries with DebateWatch because all that is required is access to a television, open minded viewers, and the willingness to engage in meaningful discussion.  The Office of the Secretary of State is encouraging schools, neighborhoods, civics organizations, senior citizens centers, or any other group to organize a DebateWatch. 

            Secretary Grayson will be joining students at Western Kentucky University at their DebateWatch party for the October 7, 2008 Presidential Debate. 

For more information about DebateWatch '08, contact the Office of the Secretary of State at sos.civics@ky.gov or at 502-564-3490, or visit www.civics.ky.gov/debates. 

# # #